Over the last few years, we have seen Balenciaga push boundaries more and more, and I can not help but wonder how far the label can go before it becomes too bizarre, or maybe it already is?
Many people thought the Triple S and Speed Runner sneakers were strange and ugly when they first popped up, but they quickly became some of the label’s most popular items. Since then, Balenciaga has collaborated with Crocs, an anti-fashion brand, released hundreds-of-dollar grocery-store-inspired bags, and continued to experiment with new and unconventional silhouettes and shapes.
Demna and the label are well aware that the more weird they become, the more attention they attract, and as a result, more people become interested in the brand. It is a clever scheme that appears to be working, because its weirdest pieces are always manage to make a noise around the world despite Balenciaga’s absence of marketing.
Despite the fact that they are some of the most well-known figures in the entertainment industry, many people were surprised when Balenciaga chose them as the face of their campaign. Once again, the goal was to start a conversation.
We are looking back at some of Balenciaga’s most unusual releases in recent years, from extremely expensive coats to sculptures. What comes next? Only Demna knows.
THE WINDBREAKER KEYRING
Balenciaga’s windbreaker keychain, which retailed for $350 USD, became the talk of the town. The jacket was pretty much the label’s it-item at the time, and was really popping on social media as the main star.
THE CROCS HEEL
Although there have been many Crocs collaborations, I believe these are the best. The stiletto Crocs was not even too strange for Balenciaga’s most ardent fans, as I have already seen plenty of people try them on and wear them.
Track 2.0 Sculpture
Balenciaga’s sporty Track sneaker has been transformed into a work of art, retailing for $5,750 USD. The sculpture is made up of 16 individual pieces that have been assembled to form the final work, and it is a true collector’s item for drippy Balenciaga fans all over the world.
THE COFFEE CUP
Despite its $88 USD price tag, I am sure my morning coffee would hit different sippin’ from this cup. Call me dumb but, I would buy it, and anything under $100 USD from Balenciaga is practically a bargain.
DEFENDER
In all honesty, these aren’t even that crazy compared to what we have here, but its thick sole is reminiscent of the tire of a car, merged with shape-ups and sized up by three sizes. These are actually pretty smooth, especially in this colorway.
DENIM HYBRID
For less than $2,000 USD, you get two pants in one. If you ask me, it is a steal! Balenciaga released these distressed denim pants with the label’s signature track pants stitched underneath. Of course, these were mocked all over Instagram and Twitter as one of Balenciaga’s most “WTF” items, but there is no doubt that plenty of people bought them.
THE X-PANDER
When snowboarding is life, choose X-Pander. Like any of you I also find myself thinking what are those!? Honestly these look like pretty awesome I won’t lie. Bizarre but awesome.
Vibram 5-toe Heels
Balenciaga’s perhaps oddest item for Fall/Winter 2020. These heels, which feature a sock-like upper, a durable Vibram sole, and a structured heel, feel like a fever dream.
HELLO KITTY
No matter what, the Hello Kitty x Balenciaga collaboration was it.
The $8,000 USD Layered Jacket
The layered jacket debuted as part of the label’s Fall/Winter 2018 collection, and it was an extension of the now-iconic Triple-S sneaker’s layered aesthetic. The jacket sparked numerous memes and debates online, and it is the epitome of Balenciaga’s extreme approach. Thus setting the brand on its very big jackets success. The XXL jackets, which quickly spread like wildfire all over the internet, and made lots of brands follow suit.
HOODIE PILLOW
Tell me who won’t use this? I won’t even lie about it, I will. Sadly, it is priced at $650 USD, which is way too much, I can live without it. For now.
The $2,000 USD Shopping Bag
The $2,000 shopping bag, of course! What an era! The bag was dubbed “stupid” all over the internet because it was “just a leather version of its regular paper bag,” but it was not so stupid after I saw several people wearing various iterations of the bag around the city. Basically, Balenciaga proved that its fans will buy anything with a logo on it.
The First Balenciaga Crocs
The BalenciaCrocs debuted for the first time in Spring/Summer 2018, with a chunky platform and plenty of embellishments. They were the catalyst for Crocs gradually becoming a fashion item, and Balenciaga has since interpreted Crocs in a variety of ways.
THE TOOLBOX
The toolbox bag, priced at $1,150 USD, is one of Balenciaga’s more affordable accessories, and I don’t know how handy it is. But. The clutch can hold a phone, a cardholder, and maybe a lipstick or two, but I do not think you will be able to fit any tools in it.
